If you have gained admission into the University of Agriculture Makurdi (UAM) or are planning to apply for the 2026/2027 academic session, one of the most important things you need to know is the school fees schedule.
Although the institution is now officially known as Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), many prospective students and parents still search online using the former names University of Agriculture Makurdi (UAM) or Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM).
This guide uses both names to help students easily find accurate information.
This article explains the expected school fees, payment procedures, additional charges, payment deadlines, and frequently asked questions to help you prepare financially before resumption.
Important Notice: At the time of writing, the university has not officially released the 2026/2027 school fees schedule.
The information below is based on previous fee structures and general payment procedures.
Students should always confirm the final approved fees through the university before making any payment.
Table Of Contents
About Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (Formerly UAM)
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM) is one of Nigeria’s leading federal universities specializing in agriculture, science, engineering, environmental studies, management sciences, education, and related disciplines.
The institution is known for:
- Affordable tuition compared to many universities.
- Quality teaching and research.
- Modern agricultural programs.
- Practical learning opportunities.
- Experienced academic staff.
- Diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
As a federal university, it remains relatively affordable, although students are required to pay other mandatory charges approved by the university management.
Has the UAM School Fees Schedule for 2026/2027 Been Released?
Many newly admitted students are asking whether the University of Agriculture Makurdi School Fees for the 2026/2027 Academic Session have been released.
As of the time of writing, the university has not officially published the approved school fees schedule for the 2026/2027 session.
Once the institution announces the new fees, students are advised to follow only the official payment instructions and avoid making payments through unauthorised platforms.
Estimated School Fees for Fresh Students
The exact amount varies depending on:
- Faculty
- Department
- Course of study
- Student category
- Laboratory requirements
- Professional program fees
Based on previous sessions, newly admitted students may expect to pay charges covering:
- Registration fees
- Tuition (where applicable)
- Development levy
- ICT fee
- Library fee
- Medical fee
- Examination fee
- Student union dues
- Identity card fee
- Laboratory or studio fee (for applicable courses)
- Faculty charges
- Departmental charges
Professional programs may attract additional fees where necessary.
Estimated School Fees for Returning Students
Returning students generally pay lower fees than fresh students because they do not pay some one-time charges such as admission processing and identity card fees.
Returning students may pay for:
- Registration
- ICT services
- Medical services
- Library services
- Examination fees
- Student union dues
- Faculty dues
- Departmental dues
- Laboratory charges (where applicable)
Students should complete all payments before course registration begins.
Factors That Affect School Fees
School fees are not always the same for every student.
The amount payable may depend on:
Faculty
Science-based programs may attract additional laboratory charges.
Department
Some departments require specialised practical training.
Program Type
Professional courses sometimes include additional accreditation or practical fees.
Level of Study
Fresh students often pay more due to one-time admission-related fees.
Other Charges Students Should Expect
Apart from tuition and registration fees, students may also budget for:
- Acceptance fee (for newly admitted students)
- Hostel accommodation fee
- Departmental association dues
- Faculty association dues
- Practical or laboratory materials
- Medical screening
- Sports dues
- Student handbook
- Entrepreneurship training fees (if applicable)
- Field trip expenses for selected departments
These charges may vary depending on the program and university policies.
How to Pay UAM School Fees
When the payment portal opens, students can generally complete their payments by following these steps:
Step 1
Visit the official university student portal.
Step 2
Log in using your admission or matriculation details.
Step 3
Generate your school fee payment invoice.
Step 4
Review the amount payable carefully.
Step 5
Choose an approved payment method.
Step 6
Complete the payment using the authorized platform.
Step 7
Print your payment receipt.
Step 8
Proceed with course registration after payment has been confirmed.
Students should keep both printed and electronic copies of their receipts.
Payment Methods
The university may provide different payment options, including:
- Online payment using ATM cards.
- Bank payment through approved banks.
- Electronic transfer using approved payment platforms.
- Other payment methods approved by the university management.
Always confirm payment instructions before making any transaction.
Why Students Should Pay Early
Paying your fees early has several advantages:
- Early course registration.
- Access to hostel allocation (where available).
- Avoidance of late registration penalties.
- Faster clearance processes.
- Better preparation for lectures.
Waiting until the deadline may expose students to portal congestion or payment delays.
Important Payment Guidelines
Before making any payment:
- Confirm the correct amount.
- Use only the official university payment portal.
- Keep your payment receipts.
- Verify that your payment is reflected on your student profile.
- Avoid paying through unauthorized agents.
Following these guidelines can help prevent payment-related issues.
Acceptance Fee for Newly Admitted Students
One of the first payments newly admitted students are usually required to make is the acceptance fee.
This payment confirms that you have accepted the university’s admission offer.
The acceptance fee is generally a one-time, non-refundable payment and must be paid by the deadline specified by the university.
After paying the acceptance fee, students are typically expected to:
- Print the acceptance payment receipt.
- Complete online clearance (where applicable).
- Proceed with document verification.
- Continue with school fee payment and course registration.
Note: The official acceptance fee for the 2026/2027 academic session will be announced by the university.
Students should confirm the approved amount before making any payment.
Hostel Accommodation Fees
Students who wish to live on campus may be required to pay hostel accommodation fees separately from their school fees.
Hostel charges may vary depending on:
- Type of hostel
- Room capacity
- Available facilities
- Student category
- University policies
Because hostel spaces are often limited, students are encouraged to apply early once the accommodation portal opens.
Benefits of staying in the university hostel may include:
- Easy access to lecture halls.
- Reduced transportation costs.
- Better participation in campus activities.
- Improved security within the university environment.
- Convenient access to university facilities.
Payment Deadline
Meeting payment deadlines is important for every student.
Failure to pay school fees on time may result in:
- Inability to register for courses.
- Restricted access to student portals.
- Late registration penalties.
- Delayed clearance.
- Inability to sit for examinations.
- Possible loss of certain student privileges.
Students should regularly check official announcements for payment schedules and registration deadlines.
What to Do After Paying Your School Fees
After completing your payment, you should:
1. Confirm Your Payment
Log in to the student portal and ensure the payment has been successfully recorded.
2. Print Your Receipt
Download and print multiple copies of your payment receipt for future reference.
3. Complete Course Registration
Register for all approved courses before the registration deadline.
4. Submit Required Documents
If requested, submit payment receipts and other documents to your department or faculty.
5. Keep Digital Copies
Store electronic copies of all receipts and documents in a secure location.
Budgeting Tips for Students
Apart from school fees, students should also prepare for other educational and personal expenses.
A realistic student budget may include:
- Books and learning materials
- Internet subscription
- Transportation
- Feeding
- Accommodation
- Practical materials
- Departmental dues
- Medical expenses
- Personal care items
- Emergency expenses
Planning your finances early can reduce unnecessary stress during the academic session.
Common Payment Mistakes to Avoid
Many students encounter payment issues because of avoidable mistakes.
Avoid the following:
- Paying into unauthorized bank accounts.
- Entering incorrect registration numbers.
- Ignoring payment deadlines.
- Failing to print payment receipts.
- Losing transaction references.
- Making duplicate payments without confirmation.
- Relying on unofficial payment agents.
Always verify every payment before leaving the bank or completing an online transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Has UAM released the 2026/2027 school fees?
As of this publication, the official school fees schedule has not yet been released.
2. Is UAM now called JOSTUM?
Yes.
The institution is officially known as Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM).
3. Can I pay my fees online?
Yes.
The university typically provides an online payment system for students.
4. Do fresh students pay more than returning students?
Generally, yes.
Newly admitted students often pay additional one-time charges.
5. Can school fees change?
Yes.
The university management may review or update fees from one academic session to another.
6. Can I pay my school fees in installments?
This depends on the university’s policy for the academic session.
Students should check official announcements for any approved installment payment options.
7. Is the acceptance fee included in the school fees?
No.
The acceptance fee is usually a separate one-time payment for newly admitted students.
8. Are hostel fees compulsory?
No.
Hostel accommodation is generally optional unless otherwise stated by the university.
9. What happens if I miss the payment deadline?
Late payment may attract penalties or delay your registration and academic activities.
10. Can I register for courses before paying my fees?
In most cases, students must pay the required school fees before completing course registration.
11. How do I know my payment was successful?
Your payment should reflect on the student portal, and you should receive or be able to print a payment receipt.
12. Can I change my payment details after completing a transaction?
If you notice an error, contact the university’s bursary or ICT support unit immediately for guidance.
Final Thoughts
Planning for your educational expenses is one of the best ways to enjoy a smooth academic experience.
Whether you are a newly admitted student or a returning undergraduate, understanding the school fee structure, payment process, and registration requirements will help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Since the 2026/2027 school fees may be updated before the session begins, students are advised to rely only on official university announcements for the most accurate information.
Making payments through authorized channels and meeting registration deadlines will ensure you remain in good academic standing.